Amaravati, meaning “Abode of the Gods,” was said to be the site where the mythical beings devas, yakshas, and kinnaras performed penance to the Hindu god Shiva to vanquish the demon Tarakasura. The Amareswara Temple there is one of the five Pancharama temples dedicated to Shiva in Andhra Pradesh. Amaravati became renowned as an ancient Buddhist centre in the region. Its monasteries and university attracted students from throughout India and East and Southeast Asia. The Buddhist stupa at Amaravati was one of the largest in India, though only traces of it now remain. Amaravati is known for the relief sculptures that were a part of its great Buddhist shrine, although most of them are now in museums, including a museum in Amaravati. Pop. (2001) 11,378; (2011) 13,400.

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